Signs and symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s
Signs and symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s syndrome is basically slowing of motion in a human being or is hypokinesia. The exact cause of the disease is not known nor has it a cure. The immediate cause for the symptoms to appear is that neurons in the brain die off and there is a deficiency of dopamine, a neurotransmitter. Why neurons die is no known. Unless a lot of members of a family are afflicted with Parkinson’s genetics play an insignificant part. So is the case with environmental factors. The only significant risk factor is age. People beyond 60yrs are who are commonly affected. It is a slow progressing ailment. Substituting dopamine via L’Dopa is the most effective means to control the symptoms.

The initial symptoms are very mild and not easily noticed.There are ten signs which are indicative of Parkinson’s. They are tremors when muscles are relaxed, slow movements or bradykinesia, rigid muscles, impaired balance and posture, loss of automatic moments, speech changes, especially low volume, writing changes, the words become small and letters crowded.

As the disease progresses these symptoms intensify. In advanced stages, additional symptoms appear which may be treatable.

  • Not thinking clearly: Thinking difficulties, and loss of cognitive power, dementia, which may not respond to medications.
  • Depression and emotional changes: Parkinson patients can fall into depression. Appropriate medication will help them to face other challenges thrown up by the disease.
  • Emotional: Patients may also suffer fear, loss of motivation and anxiety. Medication may help.
  • Physical: As the disease continues its onward march one may start experiencing difficulty in swallowing. Eating session will get prolonged and may have switched over to nutritious fluid foods. Saliva accumulates in the mouth and starts drooling making it necessary to tie an absorbent bib to keep the near body cloths dry.
  • Sleep issues: Sleep problems start to keep patients get up frequently at the night and prevent sleep at the night and they sleep in day time compounding the problem.
  • Urine issues: As moments slow down patients start to experience difficulty to pass urine. Often it takes long to relax and start urination. Similarly, they suffer incontinence also.
  • Others: Constipation becomes chronic. One can experience dizziness on standing because of slow compensation of blood pressure on becoming straight up. They can totally lose the sense of smell. The patient becomes constantly fatigued. The cause is not known. Some of the patients starting to get erectile dysfunction. They start suffering in their entire body instead of in specific places.
  • How to prevent yourself from ENT infections

    Otorhinolaryngology is the term that not many of us are aware of. But it the study of problems related to ear, nose, and throat ENT. ENT problems are common, easily diagnosed, and curable, and yet, can get serious at times if not taken care of at an early stage. Infections are common in the ear, nose, and throat among many people. It is important to understand the seriousness of ENT infections as these organs are closest to the brain and cause a lot of pain whenever there is an infection. Reporting to a doctor in minor pains can be helpful in preventing yourself from potential infection in the future.

    To prevent an infection, you must know the causes of the same.

    Ear infection
    A ear infection is the most common type of infection in ENT infections. You need to know when you are getting an infection, if you do.
    If you feel an ache or pain, if you feel you cannot hear thing as clear as you used to or if you’ve completely lost hearing, if you feel some weird pressure in your ear(s), if there is pus or something like pus in your ear that you see or feel, then there is a chance of having or getting an infection.
    Allergies, cold, adenoid problems (small tissue near your tonsils), smoking, excess mucus production, and bacteria/virus in your ear are some of the common causes of a ear infection.

    You can prevent the infection by protecting your ears from cold by boosting your immune system, by getting allergies check with an ENT specialist on a regular basis, taking medication, and keeping your ears clean regularly.

    Throat infection
    Sore throat is the most common type of throat infection and can be caused by viral infection such as, common cold, infection in the voice box, mononucleosis, herpangina, influenza, mumps, etc; bacterial infections can occur from strep throat, inflammation in tonsils or epiglottis or uvula, in rare cases, STD; and irritants and injuries also cause throat infections such as, smoking, mouth allergies, and stomach problems.

    Prevention of a throat infection will depend on the cause, but the one type of prevention that will help all the ENT infections away is the care from the start. Keeping yourself away from habits of smoking, drinking freezing cold water, keeping yourself exposed in the cold for too long, eating healthy so your immune system can handle such infection in the initial stage, and visiting the doctor regularly are some of the prevention methods that will always help you stay away from these painful infections.

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  • 3 foods to avoid with ADHD

    ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurological disease that affects many people across the globe, children as well as adults. The common symptoms include daydreaming, forgetfulness, talking too much, making careless mistakes, hyperactivity, and trouble concentrating. ADHD is manageable with treatments. But, lifestyle changes can support ongoing treatment and improve the condition further. Doctors have identified some foods to avoid with ADHD that patients should be aware of.

    Candy
    When dealing with ADHD, one should avoid candy because it has a very high sugar content and artificial coloring. Both elements can worsen hyperactivity. While avoiding candy will not prevent hyperactivity altogether, it will help reduce the intensity and frequency of episodes. Too much sugar, in general, can also impact energy levels and lead to other health conditions like diabetes, so it is best to limit its quantity in foods.

    Coffee
    Coffee is also a no-go for people with ADHD. The caffeine in coffee can improve concentration levels, but it can worsen the symptoms of this health condition. It can also interfere with ongoing treatment. Besides coffee, beverages like tea and even cola are also counted among the foods to avoid with ADHD due to their caffeine content.

    Frozen fruits and veggies
    While fresh fruits and veggies are healthy, frozen ones may have artificial additives that worsen ADHD symptoms. Artificial additives, such as food colors, can also interfere with hormones and development. Other foods with artificial additives include breakfast cereals, cookies, soft drinks, and fruit punches. So, it is advisable to read the label before buying foods off the shelf.

    Avoiding these foods may reduce ADHD symptoms. But, in most cases, individuals also need treatment to manage the condition. The popular options include:

    CONCERTA®
    It is a stimulant that works by improving how different parts of the brain communicate with each other. CONCERTA® is an extended-release treatment option. This means it is slowly released into the body throughout the day. As a result, the effect of the treatment lasts longer.

    DAYTRANA®
    DAYTRANA® is another treatment option for ADHD that works throughout the day. It comes in the form of a patch to be applied on the skin of the hip. Common side effects include heart problems, seizures, reduced development, and allergies.

    Adderall®
    Adderall® helps increase focus and concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Its serious side effects include uncontrollable shaking, hallucinations, and increased blood pressure.

    In more serious cases, doctors also recommend treatments like VIIBRYD® to manage depression, sleeplessness, hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, and other ADHD symptoms and complications.

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  • 6 natural ways that lead to hair regrowth

    We all suffer from hair fall at some point in our lives. The causes could be as varied as post pregnancy hair fall, hormonal dysfunction, serious illnesses, heredity factors, poor hair care, etc. Unless it is an extreme case of hair loss, certain daily habits can help to curb hair fall and boost hair regrowth. Here are the top natural hair regrowth tips that can prevent more hair thinning.

    Here are the top natural hair regrowth tips that can prevent hair thinning and hair fall.

    • Invest in coconut milk and coconut oil massage: Coconut oil is a well-known hair growth treatment. But do you know that coconut milk is a great hair regrowth treatment? Coconut milk is rich in iron, potassium and essential fats. Try to use fresh coconut milk. Add some lemon drops and essential oil. Massage it thoroughly on your scalp and leave it for 4-5 hours or overnight. Rinse it off thoroughly. If you cannot find coconut milk, a hot oil massage with organic or cold pressed coconut oil should also give the necessary nutrients and vitamins to your hair.
    • Drink water: Drinking water ensures you have toxins flowing out of your body and this ensures that your body stays healthy. Drinking water is also said to strengthen hair and stimulate hair regrowth. Make sure you drink at least 2-3 liters of water every day.
    • Restrict blow-drying: To ensure hair regrowth, stay away from the hot air of blow dryer. This hot air not only damages the hair roots but also slows down the process of hair regrowth.
    • Avoid frequent washes: Over washing your hair can lead unwanted hair loss. The health of your hair will only improve if fewer chemicals are used on the hair. In fact, try not to wash your hair daily, since you will also be losing the natural oils that are secreted. Also, try opting for a shampoo which is paraben-free or completely organic.
    • Exercise daily: Build up a routine where exercise, however less, is a regular thing. Daily exercise increases blood circulation of the scalp and also stimulates follicles. People who do regular exercise have shinier and healthier hair. If your hair is falling off, you could do with more blood circulation to your scalp.
    • Care while sleeping: While sleeping, tight ponytails and braids are a big no-no. Keeping the hair free and unstressed is a better way to avoid hair loss.

    Apart from this, it might be a great idea to stay away from stressful situations since stress can cause further hair loss. Using natural products, eating a healthy diet, and exercising are some of the simple ways that can aid hair regrowth.

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  • 5 awesome places to rent an apartment for seniors

    Looking for an apartment doesn’t have to be a hassle. Senior apartment rentals can especially come in handy since you don’t have to worry about shoveling snow, doing hectic tasks, and overloading yourself with tons of work. Old age needs to be carefree and relaxed, and it starts with what matters most – the location.

    The location, climate, culture, and lifestyle of the environment seniors live in can impact their health. Plus it needs to be affordable too otherwise renting an apartment won’t make sense and frankly speaking, your seniors don’t want to wound up burning a hole in their pocket.

    Here are five awesome places to get senior apartment rentals in the world.

    Pittsburgh
    Seniors aged 65 and older get free rides on the T-Bus and on the Monongahela Incline. That’s a pretty convenient aspect of senior apartment rentals in Pittsburgh. Its medical university is famous for geriatrics and if your young ones live with seniors and are interested in the field of medicine, then that’s something to consider. Besides this, seniors get free transportation for the most part and the median rental cost for senior apartments is on an average $608 a month.

    Mass, Springfield
    If you’re looking for cost-effective transportation and low median senior apartment rentals, Mass in Springfield can be a great place to live. Seniors aged 60 and above are eligible for low-cost van services and the bus tickets are sold at half-priced fares for seniors. The median rental amount for senior apartments in Mass,is only a $608 a month.

    Tucson, Arizona
    Known as the desert city of Arizona and surrounded by five mountain ranges, Tucson in Arizona is famous for their art galleries and serene environment. If your senior wants a quiet place to live in, Arizona can be a spot to go for senior apartment rentals. Additionally, Arizona is famous for hosting various food festivals, events, and colorful fairs every year. You’ll never get bored staying there and the pompous celebratory spirit is something to consider. The slight downside is that it’s a little pricier than other places and the median rental wage is $716 a month.

    Providence, Rhode Island
    If you’re looking for a scenic place for senior apartment rentals, then the Rhode Island in Providence is the right way to go. The place is famous for its two amazing rivers – the New Bedford and the Fall River, and the housing is affordable too which is priced at a median wage of $644 per month. There are several tourist attraction spots and the Miriam And Newport hospitals are famous in the geriatrics department nationally. Additionally, the Rhode Island Transit Authority offers half-price fares for transportation services for seniors.

    Nashville, Tennessee
    Nashville is the home of Vanderbilt University and is famous for its music culture. There’s never a dull moment there and retirees can pay a median rent of $701 a month for senior apartments there. The Music City there is another attraction spot and the city booms with culture and affordable senior rental options.

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  • Pros and Cons of tempurpedic mattresses

    Tempurpedic mattresses have been on the market since the year 1992, and you can purchase these mattresses online or can get them from any Tempurpedic mattresses sales. Below are listed some of the pros and cons of these mattresses which you should know before you decide to purchase any of these.

    Pros and cons of Tempurpedic mattress
    When you decide to purchase the mattress online or from any Tempurpedic mattresses sale you are likely to get a mattress which is dense and durable. The benefit of Tempurpedic mattresses is that such mattresses sense the temperature of the body and easily conform to different body shapes and sizes.

    The weight is also equally displaced on the surface of the mattress, and this also helps in improvement of circulation. Pressure points in the body also get relief when you decide to use such mattresses.

    However, a distinct disadvantage of these mattresses, which you might have purchased from Tempurpedic mattresses sale, is that they may retain body heat and for some people, it is not easy to sleep on these, especially during warm weather. Some people will also find it difficult to move around on the bed when Tempurpedic mattresses have been placed. This happens as the mattresses are dense and have been designed in such a manner to balance the contours of the body.

    Even if you purchase these mattresses from Tempurpedic mattresses sale or from an online store, you are likely to find difficulty in using these since they are very different from any of the traditional innerspring mattresses.

    Different types of Tempurpedic mattresses
    When you purchase these mattresses from Tempurpedic mattresses sale or any online mattress sale, you are likely to get three distinct kinds of mattresses. These are from the Tempur contour collection, Tempur HD collection, and Tempur Cloud collection. If you wish to have a firm bed, the Tempur contour collection is the best. The beds in Cloud collection will, however, be softest when you make any online mattress purchase.

    If you buy Tempur HD collection mattresses, you will get mattresses that have surfaces with more cells in every inch as these distribute the weight evenly and will offer comfort to the entire body.

    However, in spite of their distinct benefits, many people feel reluctant to purchase Tempurpedic mattresses since this cost more in comparison to standard mattresses. However, Tempurpedic mattresses sale is a perfect opportunity to purchase a wide range of this mattress online since you will be able to get a suitable discount which will not be available if these are purchased from a regular store.

    However, people who purchase these are satisfied with the product since it offers value for money and is always worth the price.

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  • 7 protein-rich foods great for dogs

    Dog parents would know that caring for their furry friends is more than treating them to a good day at the spa. It’s about ensuring they receive the right nutrition in their meals. Depending on the breed, your pet requires a certain quantity of proteins to boost overall health and thrive. And learning which protein-rich foods you should feed pets will ensure that the fur ball receives all the essential amino acids necessary for growth.

    Eggs
    Eggs are one of the best sources of protein one can add to their pet’s meals. The food is included in several pet formulas and also works well when made at home. It is easy on the stomach and can be combined with rice and other veggies to create a wholesome meal. Furthermore, eggs are considered a healthy food for dogs recovering from surgery or sickness. One should also note that raw eggs might not be good for a dog’s tummy. Instead, they must scramble and serve the egg when it is warm.

    Mackerel
    Fish like mackerel are not just great for human beings but are also a great source of proteins. The food can be served as a snack or mixed with the dog’s food. Other sources of healthy fish include tuna and salmon, which are packed with essential amino acids and healthy oils to help improve your pet dog’s overall well-being. However, fatty fish must be served in moderation as feeding them too much at once can lead to an upset stomach. Another healthy property present in these fish is omega-3 fatty acids, which also complement pet health.

    Beef
    Low-fat beef is one of the healthiest sources of protein you can feed your dog. Other sources of healthy meats for your pet include chicken, turkey, liver, venison, and duck. One of the best ways to serve these foods is to grind and boil them before letting your pet dig in. You should avoid pan-frying the meat as the oil and grease may leave your pet with an uneasy stomach. Furthermore, ensure there are no onions when making the dish, as it can lead to anemia, followed by other health complications.

    Green peas
    Serve your pet dog a cup of cooked peas as a snack or mix them with other meals. The food item contains a large number of proteins that can build your pet’s strength. Furthermore, green peas are rich in properties like fibers, minerals, and other nutrients that can enhance your pet’s immune system and prevent health complications. Even chickpeas offer similar nutrition for pets. This includes properties like carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fibers that help build pet strength. Adding a cup of cooked chickpeas to meals should do the trick.

    Cottage cheese
    Not many brands include cheese in their pet food formulas. However, it is one of the most enjoyed options by pets and can enrich their system with healthy proteins. While there are regular cheeses, one should consider buying cottage cheese for their pet. While the latter contains the same amount of protein as other options since it is low in fat, making it super healthy for your furry friend. You could serve a spoonful of cottage cheese to your dog as a snack or melt it into their meals every once in a while.

    Soy
    This protein-rich option for dogs is derived from soybeans and is also commonly blended in dog foods. Soy is a suitable substitute for meat that is high in amino acids. It also contains healthy fibers that are beneficial for the digestive system. Moreover, it is loaded with minerals and vitamins that may help boost its overall strength. Adding half a cup of cooked soy to your pet’s meals can significantly improve their protein intake.

    Barley and oats
    Barley and oats are one of the healthiest additions you can make to nurture your pet’s health. These foods are abundant in proteins, healthy fibers, and carbohydrates, which provide balanced nutrition. So by feeding your pet a cup of cooked barley or a cup of rolled oats, they are likely to gain health benefits like improved strength.

    The biological value of food
    When you look for protein-rich foods for pets, you must consider their overall biological value. This term describes how easily dogs can derive the available protein from a particular food source. Furthermore, foods with a higher biological value are also easier to digest, which means your pet will be able to absorb the maximum nutrients from each meal.

    On the contrary, foods rich in protein but with low biological value will not be easy for your pet to digest. Therefore, these foods must be avoided or reduced from meals. A few foods that may contain proteins and are unsuitable for pets include corn and wheat. If you give your pet meals with these products, their tummies may absorb minimal protein. Furthermore, the food is not easy to digest and offers a low nutritional value for your furry friend. So while your pet may feel full after the meal, they may not derive any health benefits from corn or wheat. Even meat by-products like beaks, feathers, horns, and hooves aren’t the best protein source for a pet. These leftovers may pass through undigested, rendering minimal health benefits and resulting in a larger volume of stool.

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  • Sony – A key entity in the world of DVD players

    In this digital age, DVD players are one of the commonplace items in every home. Though many people watch DVDs by streaming videos on laptops or smart TVs while many others watch them via game consoles, DVD players have still remained a steadfast part of our home entertainment setup. They have come an extremely long way in the last decade. Most of them now come with a range of features, including wireless connectivity, upscaling, smart technology and they also have the capacity to play the Blu-ray discs.

    From DVD to USB, enjoy it all
    There are many DVD players available in the market. So it becomes quite difficult to choose the best among them. However, one should know that the best ones must offer HD upscaling for the realistic images along with several connectivity options. They should be pocket-friendly too. There are a few players that will literally enhance the quality of your movie watching. One of them is the Sony Blu-ray player, which also plays DVDs and is the first choice of people for smart homes.

    Enjoy high definition video quality and sound effects
    Play Blu-rays and DVDs on any of the Sony Blu-ray players and enjoy a high-definition video with clear and detailed images.

    • It has a maximum of 1080 pixels of resolution, which is five times higher than other DVDs and that too with an incredible audio quality that lets you hear every drop of sound.
    • Sony Blu-ray players are so compact that they fit in almost every space.
    • They work very well in home entertainment systems.
    • They have a USB port attached to them to let you play videos from flash drives.
    • This product also has many smart features like Ethernet port, DLNA capability, front USB slots, HDMI output, BD-ROM discs, backward compatible with DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, Audio CD and CD-R/RW formats for a wide range of media choices.
    • It consists of TRILUMINOS color, which brings a wider visible color spectrum and reveals more texture.

    You can get access to a whole new world of entertainment with this product. All you have to do is just connect it to the Internet and access a variety of content including movies, music, TV shows, and much more. You can also stream different TV shows and movies from services like Netflix or Amazon Video.

    A great product from the house of Sony
    Sony is a brand that comes with the promise of versatility. It brings in complete entertainment to your home with its exclusive features. It has been preferred by consumers for over decades as it is reliable as well as affordable. It has become one of the leading electronic brands that provides products at reasonable prices and with excellent customer service. The company gives a six-month or one-year of warranty for any kind of construction or material defects.

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  • Tax benefits every first time home buyer should know

    Tax can be a very complicated financial aspect to understand. If you are planning to buy your first home, the downpayment is one of the major expenses to be borne that can be charged at 3% of the total purchase price on an average. The mortgage taken will include components like interest payments, closing costs, and other fees and charges as applicable to the transaction. Tax is applicable on multiple of these components and associated transactions.

    To ease this financial burden, there are a number of tax breaks you can take advantage of. Here is a must know the list of every first time home buyer.

    • Interest Deduction
      Interest charged on the mortgage is one of the tax benefits you can avail. The benefit is even more substantial for first time home buyers and loan borrowers as the interest rate charged will be steeper in the initial years of borrowing. The tax credit can be availed for interest paid on loans of up to $1 million or $500,000 depending on the type of income tax return filed.
    • Mortgage interest credit
      While the mortgage interest deduction reduces your taxable income, the mortgage interest credit allows for another tax break opportunity for first time home buyers. Applicants can get back up to 20% or 30% of the interest paid on the amount borrowed as a straight tax credit.
    • Points Deduction
      Mortgage points allow the loan borrower to apply for a low-interest rate that qualifies for a tax deduction as well. The points can be bought to lower the interest rate significantly making it one of the popular tax breaks to be availed by first time home buyers.
    • IRA (Individual Retirement Account) withdrawals
      Withdrawals can also be made from retirement accounts to meet payments for the new home. Up to $10,000 can be withdrawn from your IRA account without any penalty applicable.
    • Property tax deduction
      Property taxes paid on any type of real estate are also eligible for tax breaks, especially beneficial for first time property buyers.
    • Home improvement
      Home equity loans taken to secure the capital expenditure incurred for home improvements can also lower the taxes accrued on your taxable income.
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